This unit aims to enable learners to experience the scope and depth of learning
which may take place in a work-based context by planning, monitoring and evaluating
the work experience.

Unit abstract

A significant amount of learning can be achieved by carrying out practical
activities in a workplace. Learning may be enhanced by taking a more formal
approach to work-based activities – by planning, carrying out the activities
and reflecting on the benefits of the activities to the business and to the
learner. This unit is designed to allow flexibility of study for part-time and
full-time students. It is expected that learners will be supervised in the
workplace in addition to their academic supervisor. Learners will have the
opportunity, supported by their supervisors, to negotiate and perform
activities which will allow them to fulfil the assessment criteria for this
unit. They will recognise the scope of what they have achieved by recording
evidence from carrying out the activities. They will also gain maximum benefit
by reflection on and evaluation of the work they undertake.

1. Be able to negotiate industry experience Suitable organisation and location:
types of establishments for placement eg industry-related work for a client
brief at college, existing work environment, different department within
current employer’s business Negotiation: methods of contacting organisations;
methods of undertaking negotiations Nature of duties: type of undertaking eg
routine duties and tasks, project work, development of new procedures/protocol
Supervisors: roles and responsibilities of academic and industrial mentors
Expectations of learning: aims eg proficiency in new tasks and procedures,
timemanagement and problem solving skills, reflection, discuss progress with
others, teamwork Business constraints: consideration of possible limitations eg
need to be fully trained, adherence to quality systems, health and safety
considerations, supervision time, workload, customer satisfaction, limited staffing,
cost of materials

2. Understand the specific requirements of the placement Tasks: details of
activities eg specific hourly, daily, weekly routine and non-routine tasks;
breakdown of a project into stages; new procedures/protocol Prioritise: reasons
for rationalisation of the order of tasks; methods of prioritising work Plan
for the work experience: methods used to develop detailed plan with schedule of
tasks, proposed dates for reviews, expected input from supervisors Benefits to
organisation and learner: advantages to business eg allowing more routine tasks
to be carried out, allowing procedures/techniques to be developed, increasing
responsiveness, identifying cost saving measures; advantages to learner eg
understanding how a business operates, understanding importance of teamwork,
learning new techniques, development of problem-solving and time-management
skills

3. Be able to undertake work experience as identified Carry out the planned
activities: realisation eg carrying out tasks and project work according to
relevant legislation, training and codes of practice; developing new procedures
or protocol Record activities in the appropriate manner: systematic and
appropriate recording of relevant activities eg logbook, diary, portfolio,
spreadsheets, data bases; list of resources Revise the initial plan as
required: methods used to review activities at the appropriate time to see if
they meet requirements, make alterations as needed

4. Be able to monitor and evaluate own performance and learning Evaluation of
the quality of the work undertaken: meeting industry standards and evaluating
own performance against original proposal; comments/testimony from supervisors
Account of learning during the work experience: details of experience gained eg
new procedures, interpersonal skills, time-management, problem-solving,
teamwork; details of evidence eg portfolio of evidence, scientific report,
management report Recommendations on how the learning experience could have
been enhanced: alternative ideas eg different location, different brief,
different time period, more/less support, better time-management, better
preparation

Learning outcomes and assessment
criteria

Learning outcomesBe able to negotiate industry experience Understand the specific
requirements of the placement Be able to undertake work experience as
identified Be able to monitor and evaluate own performance and learning.

On successful completion of this unit a learner will:

Assessment
criteria for pass LO1 Be able to negotiate industry experience
The learner can:

1.1 research
and evaluate suitable organisations that could provide industry experience

1.2 negotiate
with work and academic supervisors a proposal for the work experience

1.3 recognise
the business constraints on the work experience offered

LO2 Understand the specific requirements of the placement
2.1 agree and prioritise the tasks and responsibilities involved in the work
experience

2.2 produce a
plan for the work experience

2.3 analyse
the benefits of the proposed activities to the business and the learner

LO3 Be able to undertake work experience as identified
3.1 fulfil specified requirements of placement conforming to all related codes
of practice

3.2 produce systematic records of work
undertaken

3.3 revise the initial plan as required

3.4 make suggestions for improvement and
review these with appropriate supervisor

LO4 Be able to monitor and evaluate own performance and learning
4.1 monitor progress against original proposal

4.2 evaluate
the quality of own performance

4.3 analyse the learning which has taken place
during the work experience using suitable reflections

4.4 make recommendations on how the experience
could have been enhanced

Guidance

LinksThis unit has possible links with all units in the programme, especially:

Unit 41:
Personal and Professional Development

Unit 42: Employability Skills.

This unit maps to the following Management NOS units:

A1: Manage
your own resources

D1: Develop
productive working relationships with colleagues

E8: Manage
physical resources

F1: Manage a
project.

Essential requirements

Given the
work-based nature of this unit, the majority of resources will be those
available to learners in the workplace. The work will normally be planned to be
achievable within the resource constraints of the employer. Therefore knowledge
of company structures and daily routines and expectations is essential.
Learners must also have access to a wide range of research facilities including
careers library and/or careers services. Tutor support and guidance are
essential. Learners must remain in touch with tutors during the work experience
– email is often the best way but some colleges may have access to a virtual
learning environment where learners can share information and experiences with
each other and the tutor.

Employer engagement and vocational
contexts

Employers
could help tutors, with for example, the planning of programmes of learning, or
provision of visits, guest speakers and mentors. They could also help to design
assessment activities.